The Islanders hoped they’d be able to right the ship tonight when the struggling Winnipeg Jets visited Long Island on Thursday night. For the sixth game in a row, they’re still looking for answers.

The season started off so much optimism. After dropping a tough game on opening night, the Isles followed it up with a three-game winning streak to improve their record to 3-1. John Tavares was coming off back-to-back four point games and it was starting to look like the Islanders rebuilding project was starting to bear fruit.

How things can change.

The optimism that filled Nassau Coliseum at the beginning of the season has been replaced with the skepticism that has filled the rink for the last few seasons. The team has already been shutout three times in only ten games. Throughout the six-game losing streak, each of their three netminders have failed to get the train back on the track. This is the same team that had a 14-game losing streak at the beginning of <i>last</i> season.

The tough part for Isles fans to swallow tonight is that the team had shown signs of improvement lately. They lost in shootout in Pittsburgh last week and pushed the San Jose Sharks to OT over the weekend. But even though the Isles had a good effort tonight, the 3-0 loss at home against the Winnipeg Jets can only be classified as a huge step backwards.

Here are the highlights—or lowlights from tonight’s game against the Winnipeg Jets:

I’m not sure why the netminders were mentioned in this story. The curious thing is that goaltending was supposed to be the problem for the NYI this year. Instead it has been the greatest strength.Defense and special teams have also been very good.

The problem for the NYI has been scoring…especially 5 on 5. Okposo, Bailey, Comeau, Rolston, and Reasoner have zero goals between them. The offense needs to be jumpstarted. Garth and Cappy need to shake things up.

Bring up Nino and give him some big minutes. Nabby has been good enough that he ought to attract trade interest and Columbus needs a goalie. Trade Nabby for Prospal who is 5-5-10 in 13 GP. If the NYI can just start scoring, they’ll be fine.